Christie’s Geneva Holding Magnificent Jewels Sale

Lots are expected to amass more than $80million in total sales.

HAPPY BIDDING: As Christie’s prepares for its spring Magnificent Jewels sale next week in New York, the auction house is also readying the sale’s Geneva counterpart with lots that are even larger than those being auctioned stateside. Christie’s Geneva will hold its own spring Magnificent Jewels sale on May 13 with lots that are expected to amass more than $80million in total sales — double the total approximation for New York’s April 14 event.

Among the items up for bidding in Geneva is a historic brooch that Spain’s King Alfonso XII gifted to his wife, the Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria for their 1879 wedding. The “Maria Christina Royal Devant-de-Corsage” brooch, which currently belongs to Baroness Thyssen-Bornemizsa of Spain, is expected to fetch between $1.5 million and $2 million.

But the Archduchess is not the only famous dignitary whose belongings are represented in the sale. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond earrings, as well as matching ring, will also be available for the paddle-happy. The set, gifted to Jackie O. by second husband Aristotle Onassis for their wedding in 1968, is estimated to sell for between $250,000 and $350,000.

Large loose gems will be represented among the sale’s lots as well. A 55.52carat, D-color, flawless pear-cut diamond is estimated at up to $10.5 million, while a 35.09carat cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire has been valued to sell for up to $4.2million.

Other items, including designs by JAR, Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Graff and Harry Winston, will also be available for bidding, with estimations often exceeding $3.5 million per lot.

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